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error code 18 and no first gear for auto trans

Discussion in 'VR - VS Holden Commodore (1993 - 1997)' started by -=ApheX=-, Jul 23, 2008.

  1. Jul 23, 2008 #1
    -=ApheX=-

    -=ApheX=- Member

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    Hey guys, I need to pick the brains of some people here to find out wtf is going on with my VS commy

    Basically as of last night after a long 8 hour drive i was pulling up to a set of lights when my engine light came up on the dash then when the lights went green i couldn't take off normally? like i had dropped the first gear in my auto trans? anyway after getting it back home checked the error code and it appeard to be error 18 (EGR flow fault)? this error dosn't seem to give me any insight as to why i can;t take off in first gear???
    anyway the morning earlier i had a mechanic replace the crank angle sensor and fuel pump and relay and it was humming away beautifully, took it for a spin and no cut outs, the mechanic was happy to remove any previous error codes, and now this code comming up has me lost as to what could potentially be the fault and how one could look at fixing such a fault?
    So any insight and or possible fixes to this issue would be greatly appreciated. btw i did do a forum search but there's not a lot about this specific issue i have come across. thnx guys!
     
    -=ApheX=-, Jul 23, 2008
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  2. Jul 23, 2008 #2
    hako

    hako Donating Member

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    Maybe you misread the code sequence and its actually 81....not 18.
    Code 81 is a failed 2/3 solenoid in the auto which means the engine light comes on and the car goes into "Limp Home Mode"....starts in 3rd gear.
    I had exactly the same problem just a few weeks ago - the actual solenoid is an easy repacement - costs about $61 plus cost of dropping the trans pan, new gasket and filter/oil. I ended up getting a trans place to do it for me and total cost was $220.
    Good Luck
     
    hako, Jul 23, 2008
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  3. Jul 23, 2008 #3
    -=ApheX=-

    -=ApheX=- Member

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    thanks mate, yeah i did double check to make sure the code displayed was 18, if anything it could have been 28 which may actually make more sense to me, but still 18 and 28 both it would appear is hard to disgnose and remedy. I am actually getting both 2nd and 3rd gear, but when at lights if i don't actually put the trans into "1" then i don't get anywhere quickly... but other than that it won't go into gear by itself...
     
    -=ApheX=-, Jul 23, 2008
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  4. Jul 23, 2008 #4
    hako

    hako Donating Member

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    Thats exactly what happens with code 81 - you get 2nd and 3rd gear unless you manually select 1st. Code 81 means a problem with the 2/3 solenoid which would make you think there is no 2/3rd gears but you still have them with no 1st or 4th unless manually selected. Would be the same with code 28 which is:

    Code 28 - Pressure Switch Assembly Short Circuit - Auto Transmission Only

    Do a GOOGLE on "4L60E code 28" and you should get some answers.

    Also read the codes again as its not real hard to get them mixed up.
     
    hako, Jul 23, 2008
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  5. Jul 24, 2008 #5
    -=ApheX=-

    -=ApheX=- Member

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    Ok further looking and making sure i wasn't seeing things it appears that this issue is definatly 81, and yes this makes perfect sense to me.
    So now i know that this solinoid is bugging out don't spose there's an easy way of fixing this issue hort of needing to semi tear this transmission apart?
     
    -=ApheX=-, Jul 24, 2008
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  6. Jul 24, 2008 #6
    hako

    hako Donating Member

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    The only way is to replace the solenoid! Costs are:
    Pan gasket p/n JPG-70007 $7.37
    Oil filter p/n JXF-75000 $26.45
    Transmission oil TQ95 $29.80
    Solenoid-shift B (2-3) p/n DL 77945 $63.41

    Labour to fit etc the above was $75

    Do it yourself and you can save the $75 and probably buy cheaper parts.
    All it involves is remove the oil pan/oil, pull a wire clip, undo electrical clip, slide out solenoid then the reverse the get it back together. Probably 2 hours work....a bit messy unless you have a large oil pan and plenty of rags. Remove the code by leaving battery disconnected for 10 mins or so.
     
    hako, Jul 24, 2008
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